By the numbers: D.C. United at Sporting Kansas City

Though D.C. United battled back from an early deficit in Kansas City, the hosts turned up the pressure and pulled away with a convincing second half performance. Here’s a look at some key statistics from Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Livestrong Sporting Park.

1890

Though D.C. United battled back from an early deficit inKansas City, the hosts turned up the pressure and pulled away with a convincingsecond half performance. Here’s alook at some key statistics from Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Livestrong SportingPark.

1890

The number of minutes Brandon McDonald has played in2012. After going the full ninetyminutes against Kansas City, McDonald overtook De Rosario for the team lead inminutes played this season. Thesturdy defender hasn’t missed any time yet for injury, starting - and finishing – each of the 21 gamesin which he has played this year. McDonald leapfrogged Dwayne De Rosario, who is now second inminutes played with 1812.

58%

D.C. United’s passing accuracy percentage in KansasCity. The Cauldron’s tightquarters combined with Sporting’s high-pressing defense to give theBlack-and-Red fits. BrankoBoskovic’s early exit – due to a knee issue at halftime – didn’t help mattersas United struggled to maintain rhythm on the ball. This was the club’s worst passing day of the year,surpassing a 64% accuracy output against SKC on March 10 and against Seattle onApril 7

8

Corner Kicks by Graham Zusi. Primarily, this is tangible proof of Kansas City’srelentless pressure, as the hosts tilted the field heavily toward Bill Hamid’snet. It also, and moreimportantly, gives you an idea of how much Zusi was on the ball. Add his four shots, goal and an assistand it’s easy to see why the former Maryland product is the most importantplayer in Sporting’s talented attacking bunch.

3

Fouls suffered by Andy Najar. It may not be a positive for Najar to get beat up, but hison the ball ability is something D.C. has missed since the 19-year-old departedfor Olympic duty. The 23rd minuteassist on Nick DeLeon’s goal was a thing of beauty and the type of play Najarmust now produce on a more consistent basis.